Almond yields trail 2025 levels as California harvest progresses
California’s almond harvest moved quickly in September as Blue Diamond reported dry weather, lower yields and continued pest concerns.
Blue Diamond Growers reported that California’s 2026 almond harvest advanced rapidly during September, aided by warm, dry weather, while growers continued to report per-acre yields below 2025 levels.
The update is part of Blue Diamond Growers’ Almond Industry News Update, written by Mel Machado, about recent top stories and crop conditions. The report covered conditions and activities observed from Aug. 31 through Sept. 27.
Daily high temperatures in California’s Central Valley were predominantly in the mid-80s to mid-90s during the reporting period, with readings just above 100º F on Sept. 10. Morning lows were generally in the lower 50s, occasionally reaching the lower 60s or falling into the upper 40s.
Despite shorter fall days and more frequent morning dew, conditions did not create significant harvest challenges. Observers reported that only a handful of Nonpareil and Independence remained to be harvested by the end of the period. Some later-maturing Monterey and Fritz had already been picked up.
Spider mites remained a concern. Significant infestations caused nearly complete defoliation in some orchards, with affected trees beginning to push new leaves. The report said using energy reserves for new growth this year could adversely affect the 2027 crop.
Navel orangeworm (NOW) reject levels increased slightly as harvest progressed, particularly in later-harvested orchards, but damage remained at its lowest level in several years. Brown spot caused by plant bugs, particularly stink bugs, also continued to affect Independence plantings.
Growers also continued to report smaller kernel sizes in later-maturing varieties and generally lower per-acre yields than in 2025.
The next Blue Diamond Growers report is scheduled for Oct. 26.